Bahrain Caledonian Society – Awali, celebrating its 85th anniversary, held its annual Burns Supper at the BAPCO club, Awali, yesterday.

Born in Ayrshire in 1759, Robert Burns is Scotland's national bard. Affectionately known as ‘the Ploughman Poet’, his verses stand as a fitting testament to Scotland's proud literary history and enthusiasts around the world continue celebrating his life and his genius each year.

Address to a Haggis was written by Burns to convey his love for the Scottish delicacy, a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal's stomach. As a result, the poem is always the first item on the agenda at a traditional Burns Supper. 

"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race..."

Seamus Gallacher presented the Address to the Haggis which was piped into the room by Stefan MacMillan Skyrzwanek to a traditional slow handclap.

After the meal is finished the first item on the programme of a Burns Supper is always the ‘Immortal Memory’. This is a formal and personal tribute to Robert Burns from an invited speaker. This year’s special guest was Scot Roddy Drummond, the UK ambassador to Bahrain.

Nader Shaheen gave the Toast to the Lassies and Janet Campbell offered the Reply to the Laddies.

The master of ceremonies was Ewan Reekie, Chieftain of the BCS Awali.

Atholl Brose ,a traditional Scottish drink, made by Betty Rajab, was offered to guests who included US ambassador to Bahrain Justin Siberell accompanied by his wife, Arnavaz, George Williams, the Editor-in-Chief of the Gulf Daily News, and his wife, Barbie, as well as Phil and Beth Williams of Gulf Brands who were the main sponsors of the evening.

Scottish country dance music, as well as contemporary Scots tunes, were played by DJ Micky Duff, following the speeches, and a good night was had by all.

editor@gdnonline.com